A review by madscalc
Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson

adventurous funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Much better than the last Sanderson book I read (The Lost Metal) but I didn't enjoy it as much as other Cosmere books. I liked the fairy-tale vibe and Tress was a likable main character but I didn't love Hoid's narration. Maybe because I read the print version instead of listening to the audiobook, but it just didn't work for me. Still excited for Dragonsteel though.

Something I did like about the Hoid narration though is the mystery of what Tress actually said. If she said the words "Don't wake me up unless Death himself has shown up, nails in his eyes" then that has insane implications for Marsh lore. But if that was just Hoid adding a little Hoid flair, then I guess Brando is just keeping us on our toes. I want to know more about the aethers, between this book and Twinsoul in The Lost Metal. I think the Sorceress might be the Midnight Mother, because Hoid said she Lightweaved in their final battle, but I would have to revisit Stormlight to see everything said about the Midnight Mother. I wonder if Unmade can world-hop or change shapes.